FANTASY FOOTBALL: Week 1 always a challenge

Published 1:34 pm, Friday, September 6, 2013

The Register’s Dan Nowak has been a big proponent for Giants running back David Wilson this preseason.

The Register’s Dan Nowak has been a big proponent for Giants running back David Wilson this preseason.

Photo: Bill Kostroun — The Associated Press

FANTASY FOOTBALL: Week 1 always a challenge

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It seems like July was only yesterday, sitting on my beach chair at Hammonassett Beach in Madison with my three kids, studying all my fantasy football magazines and getting a jump on my research.

But here we are, in almost a blink of an eye, the NFL regular season has arrived and with it the opening weekend of fantasy football.

I’m in six leagues this season, and like anyone reading this column, there are some obvious players to start. There are also questions that will only be answered once the first few weekends are in the books.

The obvious starts include Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson, Detroit’s Calvin Johnson and New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham. New England quarterback Tom Brady should have a field day against the Buffalo defense, and Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck should have a solid outing against the Oakland defense.

One of the big questions for me is how Indianapolis back Ahmad Bradshaw will perform. I have him in five of my leagues, and I am convinced a healthy Bradshaw will have a huge season. But therein lies the rub. Bradshaw sat out every preseason game recovering from foot surgery.

On the Colts’ website, head coach Chuck Pagano said Bradshaw has looked good in practice and will play Sunday. For me, that’s a positive and I believe Bradshaw will have a good day against the Raiders. I’m going to start him because the Colts’ game plan, according to new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, is to run a lot this season.

Some people have really questioned my constant praise of Giants back David Wilson. I always back up what I preach. I have this guy in four leagues, and with backup Andre Brown injured, Wilson is the unquestioned No. 1 guy in the backfield. He has been champing at the bit for the chance to show what he can do as a full-time starter, and I think he will produce significant stats each week.

Another question mark out there is how Houston back Arian Foster will perform after missing the entire preseason recovering from calf and back injuries. Many fantasy football websites are actually ranking him outside their Top 10 backs for this weekend since many of his carries will be given to backup Ben Tate, at least for this week.

I wish I had Foster, but I couldn’t come close to acquiring him with the draft picks I started with in my leagues. Even if Foster gets only 15-20 touches this week (carries and receptions combined), he has the talent to produce some huge stats against the San Diego defense.

There are always challenging decisions to make the first week of fantasy football, but that is one of the things that makes fantasy football so much fun. Go with your instinct and do your research (hopefully this column will be included in that research each week).

And if you’re not playing against me this week, good luck!

INJURIES

A big question in Weeek 1 is how much injuries will be a factor.

I mentioned Foster, but other players with concerns include New England receiver Danny Amendola, tight end Rob Gronkowksi and Pittsburgh rookie back Le’Veon Bell.

Amendola has been listed as questionable with a groin injury, but according to the Patriots’ website he will start and Amendola himself stated “I’m ready.”

Gronkowski is a unique situation. He has been recovering from back and forearm surgeries and has had a possible return of Week 3. However, he has been practicing in pads with the first team this week and the Boston Herald has reported he could return in Week 2. If you read between the lines on the Pats’ website, don’t be shocked if you see him on the field this weekend.

Bell is expected to eventually get a good deal of the carries for the Steelers when he’s healthy. He is recovering from a sprained foot and has already been declared out for Week 1. The Steelers’ website states a Week 2 return is possible.

INCREASING FANTASY FOOTBALL COVERAGE

We want to give you the best edge possible against teams in your fantasy football league with an increase of its fantasy football coverage this season.

On Wednesdays, I’ll be a weekly guest on the Fantasy Football Lunch Time Chat from noon to 1 p.m. hosted by Don Gardner of the Macomb (Mich.) Daily and Drew Ellis of the Oakland (Mich.) Press. The chat can be found here.